I think it is important to make sure we are absolutely clear that we
do not make outrageous health and medical claims when it comes to our
FIX tea. As great a product as it undoubtedly is there are not
sufficient peer reviewed research studies performed on FIX tea as of
yet that would support some of the outrageous medical claims that so
often sour the name of the health & wellness profession.
There is a wealth of information online from companies with vested
interests marketing their products much of it compiled with extreme
bias and certainly not peer reviewed.
I firmly believe that the vast majority are smart enough to review
this information for themselves in the context of its source and make
up their own mind when it comes to product efficacy. Though I also
believe that it is a responsibility that we must also ensure that the
more gullible and naïve in our society are protected from being swayed
by, and promulgating further, some of the more outrageous and
misleading rumours and claims.
I understand that the information contained in Wikipedia is not always
100% accurate but it is at least for the most part well intentioned
and importantly independently compiled and scrutinized.
Whereas FIX tea itself has not been researched to the extent that a
specific claim can or should be made of it, all of its ingredients
most certainly have.
Some of the peer reviewed research cited in Wikipedia indicates that
the ingredients can:
In the case of Green Tea:
“Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dental cavities, kidney
stones, and cancer, while improving bone density and cognitive
function.”
Reduced heart disease
Reduce cholesterol
Also improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance
Burn more fat - fat oxidation rates were 17% higher
Reduces systolic and diastolic Blood Pressure, fasting total
cholesterol, body fat and body weight.
Decreasing established potential cardiovascular risk factors
Helped to protect brain cells from dying, as well as 'rescuing'
already damaged neurons in the brain
Antimicrobial activity
Effectiveness in oral hygiene
90% lower occurrence of breast cancer
Effective in preventing glaucoma and other diseases of the eye.
Lower prevalence of depressive symptoms
Prevention or treatment of inflammatory processes
In lab tests, EGCG, found in green tea, was found to prevent HIV from
attacking T-Cells. However, it is not yet known if this has any effect
on humans
May prevent and reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis
Prevention and improvement of lifestyle-related diseases, mainly obesity.
Blueberries
May alleviate the cognitive decline occurring in Alzheimer's disease
and other conditions of aging
May help prevent urinary tract infections
Lowered cholesterol and total blood lipid levels, possibly affecting
symptoms of heart disease
Enhanced memory and learning in older adults, while reducing blood
sugar and symptoms of depression
Cranberries
Possible benefits to the cardiovascular system and immune system, and
as anti-cancer agents.[11] [12]
Inhibit and even reverse the formation of plaque by Streptococcus
pathogens that cause tooth decay.[13][14] Cranberry juice components
also show efficacy against formation of kidney stones.[15][16]
Shown promise as anti-cancer agents in in vitro studies
Cranberries had the largest amount of both free and total phenols,
with red grapes at a distant second place.[25] Cranberry tannins have
anti-clotting properties and may reduce urinary tract infections and
the amount of dental plaque-causing oral bacteria, thus being a
prophylaxis for gingivitis.[26]
Observed to have a relaxing effect, reducing stress.
Against bacterial infections in the urinary system.
Grape Seed Extract
May be useful to treat heart diseases such as high blood pressure and
high cholesterol.[1]
A polyphenol contained in grape seeds is resveratrol which may
interfere with cancer cell growth and proliferation, as well as induce
apoptosis, among a variety of potential chemopreventive effects.[3]
May also be active against HIV by inhibiting virus expression and
replication
Preliminary research shows that grape seed extract may have other
possible anti-disease properties, such as in laboratory models of
§ Wound healing—grape seed proanthocyanidins induced vascular
endothelial growth factor and accelerated healing of injured skin in
mice.[6]
§ Tooth decay --seed phenolics may inhibit oral sugar metabolism and
retard growth of certain bacteria causing dental caries.[7]
§ Osteoporosis -- grape seed extracts enhanced bone density and
strength in experimental animals.[8]
§ Skin cancer -- grape seed proanthocyanidins decreased tumor numbers
and reduced the malignancy of papillomas.[9]
§ Ultraviolet damage to skin—dietary proanthocyanidins may protect
against carcinogenesis and provide supplementation for sunscreen
protection.[10]
There is good evidence that grape seed extract can help treat chronic
venous insufficiency andedema.[11]
Currently, there are four clinical trials underway to assess the
effect of grape seed extracts on human breast cancer, blood estrogen
levels in postmenopausal women, and coronary artery disease.[12]
Black Currant
The fruit has extraordinarily high vitamin C content (302% of the
Daily Value per 100 g, table), good levels of potassium, phosphorus,
iron and vitamin B5, and a broad range of other essential nutrients
Other phytochemicals in the fruit (polyphenols/anthocyanins) have been
demonstrated in laboratory experiments with potential to inhibit
inflammation mechanisms suspected to be at the origin of heart
disease, cancer, microbial infections or neurological disorders like
Alzheimer's disease.[9][10]
Pomegranate
A traditional remedy against diarrhea, dysentery and intestinal parasites.
A tonic for the heart and throat.
In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of
the pomegranate was effective in reducing heart disease risk factors,
including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell
formation,[36][37][38] all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and
cardiovascular disease.
In a limited study of hypertensive patients, consumption of
pomegranate juice for two weeks was shown to reduce systolic blood
pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme.[39] Juice
consumption may also inhibit viral infections[40] while pomegranate
extracts have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.[41][42]
While one study showed that, in a test tube, extracts of the fruit can
inhibit the proliferation of human breast cancer cells[43], no studies
have shown that eating pomegranates has any effect on the development
of breast cancer in humans.
In 2010, 23 clinical trials were registered with the National
Institutes of Health to examine effects of pomegranate extracts or
juice consumption on diseases shown below[48]
§ prostate cancer
§ prostatic hyperplasia
§ diabetes
§ lymphoma
§ rhinovirus infection (completed, July 2008)
§ common cold (completed, June, 2007)
§ oxidative stress in diabetic hemodialysis
§ atherosclerosis
§ coronary artery disease
§ infant brain injury
§ hemodialysis for kidney disease
Apple Pectin
An indigestible, soluble fiber, apple pectin is a general intestinal regulator.
Is effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
Acts as an antioxidant against the damaging portion of cholesterol in
the blood stream.
Apple pectin tends to increase acidity in the large intestines and is
advocated for those suffering from ulcer or colitis and for regulating
blood pressure. Pectin is also effective in causing regressions in and
preventing gallstones. There is also evidence that the regular use of
apple pectin may lessen the severity of diabetes.
Red Korean Ginseng
taken orally as adaptogens, aphrodisiacs, nourishing stimulants,[] and
in the treatment of type II diabetes, as well as for sexual
dysfunction in men.
Ginseng is noted for being an adaptogen (a product that increases the
body's resistance to stress)
P. ginseng appear to inhibit some characteristics associated with
cancer in animal models; nevertheless, this effect is unclear in
humans.[11] A randomized, double-blind pilot study noted Ginseng
appeared to reduce fatigue in cancer patients.[12]
May be "a promising dietary supplement" when assessed for an increase
in quality of life.[10]
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
An adaptogen that has a wide range of health benefits attributed to
its use.[] Currently, most of the research to support the medicinal
use of E. senticosus is in Russian or Korean.[] E. senticosus contains
eleutherosides, triterpenoid saponins that are lipophilic and that can
fit into hormone receptors. Supporters[who?] of E. senticosus as
medicine claim that it possesses a variety of medicinal properties,
such as:
§ increased endurance
§ memory improvement
§ anti-inflammatory
§ immunogenic
§ chemoprotective
§ radiological protection
Taken regularly, it enhances immune function, decreases cortisol
levels and inflammatory response, and it promotes improved cognitive
and physical performance[]. In human studies, Eleuthero has been
successfully used to treat bone marrow suppression caused by
chemotherapy or radiation, angina, hypercholesterolemia, and
neurasthenia with headache, insomnia, and poor appetite.[5][6][7]
Acai
False claims include reversal of diabetes and other chronic illnesses,
as well as expanding size of the penis and increasing men's sexual
virility and sexual attractiveness to women.[6]As of June 2010, there
are no scientifically controlled studies backing up any of these
claims.
It is relatively high in polyphenol antioxidants in vivo though how
much is bioavailable is up for debate
Goji
Marketing literature for wolfberry products including several "goji
juices" suggest that wolfberry polysaccharides have extensive
biological effects and health benefits, although none of these claims
have been supported by peer-reviewed research.
Published studies have also reported possible medicinal benefits of
Lycium barbarum, especially due to its antioxidant properties,[27]
including potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory
diseases,[28][29] vision-related diseases[30] (such as age-related
macular degeneration and glaucoma[31]), having neuroprotective
properties[32] or as an anticancer[33] and immunomodulatory agent.[34]
Mangosteen
An excellent source of Potassium. Potassium in the diet plays a vital
role in energy levels and heart health.
Beyond that not much peer reviewed research exists to substantiate the claims.
You will not that three of the most marketed fruit juices in recent
years listed here do not have a huge amount of legitimate research
substantiating any medical benefit!
Yerba Matte
Studies of mate, though very limited, have shown preliminary evidence
that the mate xanthine cocktail is different from other plants
containing caffeine most significantly in its effects on muscle
tissue, as opposed to those on the central nervous system, which are
similar to those of other natural stimulants. The three xanthines
present in mate have been shown to have a relaxing effect on smooth
muscle tissue, and a stimulating effect on myocardial (heart)
tissue.[18]
Mate also contains elements such as potassium, magnesium and manganese.[19]
In most studies,[20][21] Ilex paraguensis tea has been shown to lessen
the tendency towards obesity induced by a high-fat diet.
Consumption of yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis ) improves serum lipid
parameters in healthy dyslipidemic subjects and provides an additional
LDL-cholesterol reduction in individuals on statin therapy.[22]
Alfalfa
Alfalfa has been used as an herbal medicine for over 1,500 years.
Alfalfa is high in protein, calcium, plus other minerals, vitamins in
the B group, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.[55][56]
In early Chinese medicines, physicians used young alfalfa leaves to
treat disorders related to the digestive tract and the kidneys.
In Ayurvedic medicine, physicians used the leaves for treating poor
digestion. They made a cooling poultice from the seeds for boils. At
the time, alfalfa was also believed to be helpful towards people
suffering from arthritis and water retention
Beet Extract
Beetroots are a rich source of potent antioxidants and nutrients,
including magnesium, sodium, potassium and vitamin C, and betaine,
which is important forcardiovascular health. It functions by acting
with other nutrients to reduce the concentration of homocysteine, a
homologue of the naturally occurring amino acid cysteine, which can be
harmful to blood vessels and thus contribute to the development of
disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Betaine functions in
conjunction with S-adenosylmethionine, folic acid, and vitamins B6 and
B12 to carry out this function.[2]
Additionally, several preliminary studies on both rats and humans have
shown betaine may protect against liver disease, particularly the
build up of fatty deposits in the liver caused by alcohol abuse,
protein deficiency, or diabetes, among other causes. The nutrient also
helps individuals with hypochlorhydria, a condition causing abnormally
low levels of stomach acid, by increasing stomach acidity.[2]
Beetroot juice has been shown to lower blood pressure and thus help
prevent cardiovascular problems. Research published in the American
Heart Association journal Hypertension showed drinking 500 ml of
beetroot juice led to a reduction in blood pressure within one hour.
The reduction was more pronounced after three to four hours, and was
measurable up to 24 hours after drinking the juice. The effect is
attributed to the high nitrate content of the beetroot. The study
correlated high nitrate concentrations in the blood following
ingestion of the beetroot juice and the drop in blood pressure.
Dietary nitrate, such as that found in the beetroot, is thought to be
a source for the biological nitric oxide, which is used by the
endothelium to signal smooth muscle, triggering it to relax. This
induces vasodilation and increased blood flow.[3]
Other studies have found the positive effects beetroot juice can have
on human exercise and performances. In studies conducted by the Exeter
University, scientists found cyclists who drank a half-litre of
beetroot juice several hours before setting off were able to ride up
to 20 per cent longer than those who drank a placebo blackcurrant
juice. [4]
Ginkgo Biloba
Extracts of Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids
(ginkgolides, bilobalides) and have been used pharmaceutically. Ginkgo
supplements are usually taken in the range of 40–200 mg per day.
Recently, careful clinical trials have shown Ginkgo to be ineffective
in treating dementia or preventing the onset of Alzheimer's Disease in
normal people.[30][31]
Rooibos
Rooibos is purported to assist with nervous tension, allergies and
digestive problems.[5]
Traditional medicinal uses of rooibos in South Africa include
alleviating infantile colic, allergies, asthma and dermatological
problems
Although human studies of rooibos are scarce in scientific literature,
animal studies suggest it has potent antioxidant, immune-modulating
and chemopreventive effects. In addition, rooibos tea has not been
found to have any adverse effects
Stevia
For centuries, the Guaranà tribes of Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil used
stevia, which they called ka'a he'ê ("sweet herb"), as a sweetener in
yerba mate and medicinal teas for treating heartburn and other
ailments.[11] More recent medical research has shown promise in
treating obesity[12] and hypertension.[13][14] Stevia has a negligible
effect on blood glucose, even enhancing glucose tolerance;[15]
therefore, it is attractive as a natural sweetener to diabetics and
others on carbohydrate-controlled diets.[16]
Possible treatment of osteoporosis has been suggested by the patent
application claim that eggshell breakage can be reduced by 75% by
adding a small percentage of stevia leaf powder to chicken feed.[17]
It has also been suggested that pigs fed stevia extract had twice as
much calcium content in their meat, but these claims have been
unverified.[18]
Vitamin C
Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and is necessary for the
treatment and prevention of scurvy, though in nearly all cases dietary
intake is adequate to prevent deficiency and supplementation is not
necessary.[120][121][122][123][124][125]
Vitamin C may also be useful in lowering serum uric acid levels
resulting in a correspondingly lower incidence of gout,[126] and an
oxidized version that can cross the blood-brain barrier may reduce
neurological deficits and mortality following a stroke.[127] There is
suggestive evidence vitamin C may be useful in the treatment of
pneumonia.[128]
Vitamin C's effect on the common cold has been extensively researched
and shown not to have so much effect as was supposed.[8][9]
So all that being said, we cannot say a cup of FIX a day will keep the
doctor away, much less cure cancer, arthritis, diabetes etc, etc, etc…
but, unless you are already getting all the phytonutrients and
antioxidants and daily fruits and vegetables you need in your diet,
that all research indicates maximises your longevity and well-being,
why not add a cup of FIX into your daily regimen?
Take personal responsibility. Do your own due diligence and make up
your own mind!
